Could Cosmetic Dentistry Help Restore Your Self Confidence?

It may not seem like one of the most pressing health concerns, but when you are struggling with unsightly teeth, it can really have a strong effect on your emotional wellness and wellbeing. Cosmetic dentistry could be the answer to all of your problems.

 

Cosmetic dentistry can deal with minor tooth problems that are related to the way that your teeth look, rather than the health of your teeth. This includes issues such as gaps in the teeth, stains on the teeth and discolouration of the teeth. Many people see it in the same way that they see spending money on expensive clothes, jewellery or beauty products: just another way to look good and gain professional and social success.

 

A recent study has discovered that over 90 percent of the population believe that having a good smile is an important social aspect. In addition, most people believe that having a strong and healthy smile will help to improve their self-confidence and forge important relationships. If they do not have a good smile, they feel awkward about smiling freely and try to avoid it. This can all be overcome with cosmetic dentistry.

 

Teeth whitening or bleaching is one of the most common procedures. Teeth that are discoloured from red wine, smoking or drinking tea and coffee can be restored in just two ten minute sessions, and it can be done at home with no side effects.

 

Dental bonding is also cosmetic dentistry, and this is when fillings match the colour of your teeth. This can be used to fill holes or to re-shape teeth. Porcelain crowns are also used in these scenarios when the tooth underneath is too fractured or damaged for dental bonding.

 

Veneers – also known as laminates – are thin shells of porcelain that go over the front of the teeth and create the illusion of a perfect smile.

Categories: cosmetic, cosmetic dentistry, dental bonding, Dentistry, nbsp, Smile, teeth

Invisalign Orthodontic Treatment Explained

Invisalign provides the perfect solution for adults and younger patients who are looking for an effective alternative to metal braces. The system provides a clear, convenient and comfortable method of straightening crowded, crooked and gapped teeth. The treatment will not interfere with your daily routine owing to the removability of the braces, which makes maintaining good dental hygiene easier than with traditional braces.

How does the treatment work?

The treatment consists of a series of clear, discreet aligners – so there are no cumbersome metal brackets or wires. The patient will need to wear each aligner for two weeks, before changing to the next one in the series. This ensures the smooth movement of teeth into a straighter position, with the process usually taking 10-18 months. During this time you will need to visit your dentist on a regular basis to make sure things are progressing smoothly. Invisalign can treat the following conditions:

• Crowded teeth


• Cross bite


• Overbite


• Gapped teeth


• Under bite

What is the Invisalign treatment process?

You will need to attend an initial consultation with a provider of Invisalign, during which time they will assess your teeth alignment. A mould will be taken of the patient’s mouth and a 3D digital model of the teeth created. If the patient is found to be suitable for treatment, they will be shown their unique treatment plan. The aligners will then be created and given to you by your dentist for wear. The dentist will show you how to put them in and take them out, and you should use this time to ask any questions. You are expected to wear each aligner for around 22 hours a day and regular check-ups will be carried out.

Are there any disadvantages?

Because the patient is able to remove their aligners there is the potential for human error or forgetfulness to negatively impact treatment; if, for example, you do not wear your aligners for the recommended time. Also, metal braces may be more suitable than Invisalign for treating more complex orthodontic cases.

Why should I choose Invisalign rather than metal braces?

Invisalign has become an increasingly popular choice of orthodontic treatment for people of all ages for the following reasons:

Discreet: In modern society, there is a great deal of emphasis placed upon the way people look. Therefore, for some people, wearing metal braces is not an option, and they seek out more discreet options of straightening teeth. The practically invisible look of Invisalign has made them a popular choice among adults and younger patients.

Convenient: The problem with metal braces is that they can be cumbersome, especially when trying to clean your teeth or eat food. This can mean that they have a detrimental effect on oral health and lead to tooth decay. Invisalign, on the other hand, has the benefit of being removable, meaning that patients can take them out to eat what they want, when they want, and to maintain oral health as before.

Removable: If you have an important engagement coming up then, no matter how discreet Invisalign braces are, you may not want to wear them. This is not possible with metal braces, whereas aligners can be removed at your discretion for important engagements. However, you are advised to meet the 22 hours a day wear.

If you would like to get Invisalign braces to treat your crowded, gapped or crooked teeth, get in touch with a dentist in your area.

This guest article is provided by Ollie & Darsh where patients can receive Invisalign braces and many of the other latest orthodontic treatments.

Categories: Dentistry, Orthodontic, treatment

General Dentistry Maintenance and Treatments

General dentistry is different to cosmetic dentistry, which is predominantly concerned with the appearance of teeth and includes such treatments as veneers, teeth whitening and Invisalign. If anything, this is a more important aspect of dentistry because it is concerned with the health and protection of your teeth and gums. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that it has been linked to heart disease and problems during pregnancy. It is therefore important that you know how to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, and that you understand what general dentistry incorporates.

Maintaining good oral hygiene

In order to make sure that your teeth and gums remain in a healthy condition, you should do the following:

• Use suitable toothpaste: Only choose toothpastes that have been clinically proven to reduce the chances of getting dental disease. It is a good idea to ask your dentist about what type of toothpaste you should be using, as they may be able to specify a particular brand or strength of toothpaste that’s best for you.


• Don’t overuse your toothbrush: It’s important that you regularly change your toothbrush, or you may end up using one that is worn and less effective at removing plaque and keeping your teeth and gums in a healthy condition.


• Use dental floss and mouthwash: Dental floss and mouthwash can help you clean hard to reach areas in the mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach.


• Tongue cleaning: There are a lot of bacteria hanging onto your tongue, so it’s important that you take the time to clean this area.


• Don’t smoke: Smoking is not good for the health of your teeth and gums. You are best not bothering with it at all.

Regular dental visits

In addition to maintaining a good level of oral hygiene by cleaning your teeth, it is important that you visit your dentist for regular check-ups. This will give them a chance to check the condition of your teeth and identify any problems that may be hiding under the surface. Catching a problem early on can ultimately mean the difference between losing a tooth and maintaining a nice smile. Regularly visiting a dental hygienist is another good way of keeping your teeth and gums looking clean and healthy.

Healthy diet

The foods and drinks you consume on a daily basis have a significant impact on the health and appearance of your teeth. The foods you should try to avoid include:

• Candy


• Dried and acidic fruit


• Sports drinks


• Sodas and fruit juices


• Starchy foods

Foods that can help to keep your teeth and gums in a healthy condition include:

• Water


• Dairy products


• Nuts


• Sugarless gum


• High-fibre foods

What general dentistry treatments are available?

If the health of your teeth and gums is compromised, there are a range of general dentistry treatments to help:

• White fillings: This is a safer alternative to amalgam fillings and involves the use of composite material for the restoration of teeth.


• Onlays and inlays: This treatment is used for repairing fractured teeth where damage is too great for a filling.


• Crowns: This is fitted above chipped or broken teeth to improve function and appearance and to protect against further damage.


• Bridges: This is a treatment for replacing missing teeth and will work to improve mouth function and aesthetics.


• Root canal: If the nerve and blood supply of a tooth becomes infected, root canal treatment can be used to remove the infection as a preferable alternative to tooth extraction.

As long as you follow the advice in this article about cleaning your teeth and eating the right foods, you should not require the use of such general dentistry treatments. But, if you do, ask your dentist for more information.

This guest article is written and provided by the team of dentists at Ollie & Darsh where you can learn more about general dentistry treatments.

Categories: Dentistry, Maintanance, Treatments